Committed to My Friends

Wisdom in my Friendships

  • Should I have unbelieving friends?
  • When is it wise to associate with non-Christians?

Case Study #1 Ruth and Naomi Leading Towards the Lord (Ruth 1)


Case Study #2 Lot and Sodom Leading Away from the Lord (Genesis 13-19)

  1. Unwise friendships first Disarm you (Prov 22:24-25)

  2. Unwise friendships ultimately Destroy you (Prov 22:21-22)

Case Study #3

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 13:20

  1. Proverbs 22:24-25 tells us that we become like those with whom we spend time. Why do you think this happens? That is, why do we naturally start to act like the people we are around?
     
  2. If you realize a friendship is harmful (rebellion against God or “king”), how do you go about getting out of harm’s way? (Proverbs 13:20) Do you dissolve the friendship, spend less time with the friend...? How do you “break that off”?
     
  3. What specifically would you do as a parent if you discovered your late adolescent or teen child had an unwise friendship (causing them to rebel, etc)?
     
  4. How can you ensure that you are leading a person to the Lord instead of them leading you away from the Lord? How do you know who is influencing who?

Breakout Questions:

  1. Do you have any friendships that have a negative effect on your walk with Christ? What are you going to do about it in light of the Word of God?
     
  2. Pray for one another.

3 Marks of Legit Friendship

  1. Counsel : Give it and receive it Thoughtfully (Proverbs 27:9)

  2. Correction : Give it and receive it Humbly (Proverbs 27:6)

  3. Comfort : Give it and receive it Constantly (Proverbs 17:17)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 18:24

  1. How do you approach a friend when you need counsel? (Proverbs 27:9)
     
  2. Have you ever suffered the loss of a friendship because you told them they were wrong about something they said, did, are doing? How do you respond to correction? (Proverbs 27:6)
     
  3. Who is a friend that comforts you? Share with the group how that friend comforts you, or even a specific time that friend brought comfort. (Proverbs 17:17)

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.